ER Zach

It is the beginning of our winter break and it has not started off too well. On Friday, we found out Zachary has RSV. I contacted every young mother I knew and pumped them for information about what it was like when their child had RSV. Everyone was pretty comforting and I felt good that we would just be in for a week of coughing and fever. Unfortantly, things didn't go that way. Friday night Zach was breathing rapidly and heavily so we called the after hours number for his doctor. After trying several things and none of them working, we were told to take him to the ER. We were under the impression we would breeze in and get a quick breathing treatment and be on our way home. That was not what happened at all! When we got to the back, he was evaluated. He had a very high fever and was found to have an ear infection on top of RSV. The doctor wanted chest x rays to make sure it was just RSV. Poor Zach - he was put in this terrible contraption to get a clear x ray. After that he was subjected to a shot for the ear infection and a breathing treatment. Ryan and I felt terrible for everything he had to go through. After all that, he was hooked up to a montior so we could keep an eye on his heart rate and oxygen levels. His heart rate was elevated but we were told this was due to his fever. His oxygen levels weren't too good but they sent us home with a variety of medicines to help with the ear infection and breathing. It has been an extremely stressful weekend for us all. My poor father has had to deal with constant phone calls and questions. However it has been really nice to have an expert a phone call away for all my many questions and concerns. The only slightly amusing thing is that being typical first parents, Ryan and I documented the visit with pictures. I guess it is true what they say about first time parents taking pictures of everything! Zach is doing well and I am hoping we will be done with this soon. We are amazed at how well he is taking this all. We were told he would be cranky and he has been a joy to be with. He smiles and laughs and plays like nothing is wrong. Ryan and I feel so blessed to have such a good natured child.

Santa!

We took Zach to see Santa for the first time this weekend. Zachary did not enjoy the visit whatsoever. We waited in line for awhile and Zach was in a great mood the entire time. Even as we got closer, he seemed fine, just a little curious. But then it was our turn and the hand off took place. The minute Zach left Ryan's arms into Santa's, he lost it. I managed to get a couple pictures before Santa was done and ready to be rid of the screaming baby. Zachary recovered fairly quickly once he was returned to us. I guess there is always one year with Santa where your child cries and screams in fear. As my father would say, it is all part of the experience.

New tricks and teeth!

Zach turned 9 months old on Thanksgiving and this month is proving to be an exciting one for us. He is learning so much each day and I am in complete awe of how fast he picks things up. He now gestures to things quite often by extending his arm and fist, saying "ah da", and then looking to us to see what we say. He wants to know what everything is, using gestures and "ah da" all the time.
His other new trick is "Where's Zachary?" I have only played "Where's Mommy?" and "Where's Zachary?" with him and a blanket a handful of times. He caught onto "Where's Mommy?" right away, pulling the blanket from my face and giggling each time. I moved onto "Where's Zachary?" The other night he was fussing in the car so I climbed into the back and tried distracting him for the rest of the trip. One approach I used was this game. We played a few times and then I put the blanket down for a break. Before I know it, he grabs the blanket, covers his face, and begins to giggle. I realize he has learned how to lead the game and is waiting for me to ask him "Where's Zachary?" Sure enough, the minute I ask, he throws the blanket off his face laughing wildly. He did it again and again. I can't believe he picked the game up that quickly. To see if he really understands the game, I handed him a blanket the next day and asked "Where's Zachary?" He giggled and covered his face right away. Again, I am in total awe to see him learn and apply these new things.
In other exciting news, his first tooth made it through his gums and is now showing! After months of drooling and chewing constantly, we finally have something to show for it!

Thanksgiving

I am a little behind posting our Thanksgiving. We had a very good time. We went to Ryan's side this year. Zach got to see family he doesn't get to see very often. He showed off his scoot to everyone. He even ate turkey and sweet potato baby food in honor of the holiday!